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Big Win for Classic Legends: Court Declares Yezdi Trademark Belongs to Boman Irani
Yezdi: This High Court ruling has made it clear that the Yezdi legacy now rests with Classic Legends and Boman Irani. This decision could set an important precedent for the Indian motorcycle industry and the preservation of historic brands.
In a major development, the Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court has ruled that the co-founder of Classic Legends, Boman R. Irani, has valid and legal rights over the 'Yezdi' trademark. This judgment has set aside a previous single judge order delivered in 2022, wherein Ideal Jawa India Pvt Ltd was declared the exclusive owner of the trademark.
The High Court noted that Ideal Jawa discontinued production of Yezdi motorcycles in 1996 and has neither used nor renewed the trademark since. The trademark registration lapsed between 2007 and 2013, yet neither the company nor the official liquidator made any effort to protect it. The court clearly stated that this represents "complete abandonment of the trademark."
The court stated that the absence of business for three decades, the lack of renewals, the non-use of the brand, and its subsequent failure to include it in any asset sale had eroded the Yezdi brand's goodwill. Therefore, Ideal Jawa or the liquidator cannot claim any rights.
